Jeremiah 46:28
And you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid, declares the LORD, for I am with you. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have banished you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished."
Do not be afraid
This phrase is a recurring divine assurance found throughout Scripture, often given to God's people in times of distress or uncertainty. The Hebrew root for "afraid" is יָרֵא (yare), which conveys a sense of fear or terror. In the context of Jeremiah, this assurance is particularly poignant as it addresses the fears of the Israelites facing exile and destruction. God's command not to fear is a reminder of His sovereignty and faithfulness, encouraging believers to trust in His protection and plan.

O Jacob My servant
The use of "Jacob" here is a metonym for the nation of Israel, tracing back to the patriarch Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. The term "My servant" (עַבְדִּי, avdi) signifies a special relationship and covenant between God and His people. It emphasizes the role of Israel as chosen to serve God's purposes in the world. This designation reassures the Israelites of their identity and calling, even amidst their trials.

declares the LORD
This phrase underscores the authority and certainty of the message. The Hebrew word for "declares" is נְאֻם (ne'um), often used in prophetic literature to introduce a divine pronouncement. It affirms that the words spoken are not merely human opinions but are the authoritative word of Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God.

for I am with you
The promise of God's presence is a central theme in the Bible, providing comfort and strength to His people. The Hebrew phrase אִתְּךָ אָנֹכִי (ittecha anochi) reassures the Israelites that despite their circumstances, God has not abandoned them. This echoes the covenant promise found in passages like Genesis 28:15 and Matthew 28:20, where God's presence is a source of hope and courage.

Though I will completely destroy all the nations
This phrase reflects God's justice and sovereignty over the nations. The Hebrew verb for "destroy" is כָּלָה (kalah), meaning to bring to an end or to finish. It indicates that God's judgment is comprehensive and decisive. The historical context here involves the surrounding nations that opposed Israel, highlighting God's control over history and His ability to execute judgment.

to which I have banished you
The term "banished" (הִדַּחְתִּיךָ, hidachticha) refers to the exile of the Israelites as a consequence of their disobedience. This exile was both a punishment and a means of purification. The historical context involves the Babylonian captivity, a pivotal event in Israel's history that served to refine and restore the nation to its covenant relationship with God.

I will not completely destroy you
This assurance of preservation highlights God's mercy and faithfulness to His covenant promises. While the nations face total destruction, Israel is promised survival and restoration. The Hebrew phrase לֹא אֲכַלֶּה (lo achalleh) emphasizes that God's discipline is not intended to annihilate but to correct and restore.

Yet I will discipline you justly
The concept of discipline (יָסַר, yasar) in Hebrew carries the idea of correction and instruction. God's discipline is portrayed as an act of love, aimed at bringing His people back to righteousness. The adverb "justly" (בְּמִשְׁפָּט, bemishpat) underscores that God's actions are fair and righteous, reflecting His character as a just judge.

and will by no means leave you unpunished
This phrase balances the message of hope with a reminder of accountability. The Hebrew root for "unpunished" is נָקָה (naqah), meaning to be acquitted or left unpunished. It emphasizes that while God is merciful, He is also just and will address sin appropriately. This serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the seriousness of sin.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jacob
Represents the nation of Israel, often referred to as "Jacob" in prophetic literature, symbolizing the collective identity of God's chosen people.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who reassures His people of His presence and justice.

3. Nations
Refers to the foreign nations where Israel was exiled, symbolizing the worldly powers opposed to God's people.

4. Exile
The historical context of Israel's displacement due to their disobedience, serving as a backdrop for God's promise of restoration.

5. Discipline and Justice
The divine actions of God, balancing punishment with mercy, reflecting His righteous character.
Teaching Points
God's Presence in Trials
Even in times of discipline and hardship, God assures His people of His presence. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is with them, regardless of their circumstances.

The Balance of Justice and Mercy
God's discipline is just and purposeful, aimed at correction rather than destruction. Christians should understand that divine discipline is a sign of God's love and commitment to their growth.

Hope in Restoration
Despite the severity of judgment, God promises restoration and preservation. This offers hope to believers that God’s plans for them are ultimately for their good and His glory.

Fearlessness in Faith
The command to not be afraid is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to live boldly, knowing that God is in control.

The Faithfulness of God’s Promises
God's promises to Israel serve as a reminder of His unchanging nature. Christians can trust that God will fulfill His promises to them as well.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the assurance of God's presence in Jeremiah 46:28 impact your understanding of facing personal trials?

2. In what ways can you see the balance of justice and mercy in your own life, and how does this reflect God's character?

3. How can the promise of restoration in Jeremiah 46:28 encourage you in situations where you feel exiled or distant from God?

4. What practical steps can you take to live fearlessly in faith, as encouraged by the command "Do not be afraid"?

5. How do the promises made to Israel in Jeremiah 46:28 relate to the promises God has made to believers today, and how can this strengthen your faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 41:10
This verse echoes the reassurance of God's presence and support, similar to the promise given to Jacob in Jeremiah 46:28.

Hebrews 12:6
Highlights the theme of divine discipline, emphasizing that God's correction is an expression of His love for His children.

Genesis 28:15
God's promise to Jacob at Bethel, ensuring His presence and faithfulness, parallels the assurance given in Jeremiah 46:28.

Psalm 46:1
Reinforces the idea of God as a refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble, aligning with the comfort offered to Jacob.

Romans 11:1-2
Discusses God's enduring relationship with Israel, affirming that He has not rejected His people, consistent with the promise of not making a full end of them.
Chastisement Duly ProportionedG. Swinnock.Jeremiah 46:28
Correction, But in MeasureS. Conway Jeremiah 46:28
Judgment Going on from the House of GodS. Conway Jeremiah 46:1-28
God's Care of His OwnD. Young Jeremiah 46:27, 28
People
Amon, Cushites, Ethiopians, Jacob, Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Josiah, Lud, Ludim, Lydia, Lydians, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Pharaoh, Pharaohnecho, Phut
Places
Babylon, Carchemish, Carmel, Cush, Egypt, Euphrates River, Gilead, Lud, Memphis, Migdol, Nile River, Put, Tabor, Tahpanhes, Thebes
Topics
Acquit, Affirmation, Afraid, Altogether, Chasten, Completely, Correct, Declares, Destroy, Discipline, Driven, Entirely, Errors, Fear, Full, Guiltless, Hold, Jacob, Judgment, Justice, Leave, Measure, Nations, O, Properly, Punishment, Purpose, Quite, Reproved, Says, Scatter, Servant, Though, Unpunished, Utterly, Whither, Wholly, Wise, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Jeremiah 46:27-28

     7160   servants of the Lord

Library
Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
(Revelation, Chapters vi.-viii.) "God Almighty! King of nations! earth Thy footstool, heaven Thy throne! Thine the greatness, power, and glory, Thine the kingdom, Lord, alone! Life and death are in Thy keeping, and Thy will ordaineth all: From the armies of Thy heavens to an unseen insect's fall. "Reigning, guiding, all-commanding, ruling myriad worlds of light; Now exalting, now abasing, none can stay Thy hand of might! Working all things by Thy power, by the counsel of Thy will. Thou art God!
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

Jeremiah
The interest of the book of Jeremiah is unique. On the one hand, it is our most reliable and elaborate source for the long period of history which it covers; on the other, it presents us with prophecy in its most intensely human phase, manifesting itself through a strangely attractive personality that was subject to like doubts and passions with ourselves. At his call, in 626 B.C., he was young and inexperienced, i. 6, so that he cannot have been born earlier than 650. The political and religious
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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